Farmworker bill passes Assembly

Albany, NY -- The Farmworker Fair Practices Act was passed in a vote Monday in the state Assembly.

The bill grants collective bargaining rights, workers' compensation and unemployment benefits to farmworkers. It also provides at least 24 consecutive hours of rest each week, an eight-hour day for farm laborers and overtime at a rate of one-and-a-half times the normal rate.

Farmers and farm organizations, including New York Farm Bureau, have lobbied against the bill stating it would results in farmers losing workers and money. Farmworker groups, including the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign, fought for the bill stating farmers have denied farmworkers the basic rights other workers enjoy.

Nearly all Central New Yorks assembly members voted against the bill. Barbara Lifton, who represents the Ithaca area, voted in favor of the bill.

"This bill will not only hurt farmers, but customers of local produce and farm workers," said Assemblyman Will Barclay, F-Pulaski.